Equipment support leg and leveler with retractable castor

ABSTRACT

An equipment support leg providing a multiplicity of functions. Static applications are addressed through a threaded shaft and foot. The improved foot is bolted into support legs in such a way as to allow swiveling desirable for conforming to grounds. Mobile applications are addressed through a modified castor. The castor may be lowered to the ground or retracted into a safe position by use of a handle attached to a bearing. Jacking or leveling needs are met by use of the leveler handle which is attached to a bearing, located near the top of threaded shaft. Therefore, one support leg converts from stationary capabilities to mobile capacities, and converts back again into the original stationary position.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

[0001] Not applicable

BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to an equipment support leg, morespecifically an equipment leg which converts from a stationary positionto a mobile capacity.

BACKGROUND—PRIOR ART

[0003] Equipment support legs employed over the years for use withscaffold systems, carts, or staging and the like have only providedsingular functions. A multiplicity of needs dealing with variations ofgrounds or flooring, plus the necessity for temporary mobility to movethe supported structure should all be met all in one simple to use legdevice. Although this has long been desired, the need has yet to be met.Legs for use with a scaffold frame will be the primary example given.

[0004] An equipment leg will usually consist of a small metal squareplate, or foot. The center contains one shaft, shortened or lengthenedand may be threaded, which inserts up into a scaffold frame leg. Theframe then rests upon the upon the metal plate. This foot protects theframe from sinking into the ground and provides stability.

[0005] Another leg consisting of the same components adds on a levelingjack. This is a long threaded shaft with a handle on top that can rotateup or down the shaft. The scaffold frame comes to rest upon thisleveling handle, rather than the foot. The handle jacks up the frame orlowers it to level the scaffold platform. The weight of the frame makesit difficult to turn the leveling handle. Often, the worker cannotadjust the leveling jack without applying use of a maul to force thehandle into position. Handles crack, chip, snap off and impair safetystandards.

[0006] While a scaffold system is being used, the foot has a greatamount of weight upon it. This means that an assembled scaffold cannotbe lifted in order to remove even a small shafted foot and replace itwith another type.

[0007] Frequently, uneven grounds, sloped flooring, or erosionnecessitates a swivel foot. Instead of a fixed foot as discussed before,this foot has ability to swivel somewhat to conform to inconsistentconditions varying from day to day. A fixed foot must be resting uponlevel grounds, which can be dug out and graded up. However, manyfloorings that scaffold is upon are made with concrete. The concrete maybe sloping and rough, as it is not the final finished product. Concretecannot be dug up, and so a swivel foot is the best option.

[0008] Another problem is the need to move the scaffold system. Theresimply has not been available for use a support leg which simplisticallyconverts from stationary usage into full mobility. If a flat, fixedfoot, or swivel foot has been used, then the whole system must be takendown piece by piece and resurrected in the new location. Often, this isjust a few feet away.

[0009] To answer this problem, a leg consisting solely of a castor wheeland a short shaft can be inserted into the frame for mobility. However,this also gives the effect of a castor always in contact with thegrounds while work is being done on the scaffold. The unit can rollaway, shake, and rock due to gravitational forces, sloping, erosions,high winds and accidental bumping. Although a castor with a long shaftis available to be used, it is considered unsafe by constructionworkers, and is never to be used on job site.

[0010] Many castors do entail braking mechanisms. There is always apotential for disengagement of the brake. Brakes working by friction dotend to wear out. Toothed brakes sometimes fail to lack registration.Debris can interfere with the brake engagement. Brakes can be forgottento be utilized due to human error. Heavy loads can cause braked wheelsto slide. A castored scaffold leg has an inherent potentiality to rolland subsequently injure a fellow human.

[0011] In order to overcome these dangerous situations, a rollingscaffold is often additionally shored up with cinder blocks, sandbags orother heavy materials. An expensive safety option is the practice ofdigging a track, or channel, and possibly paving it. The castored frameis somewhat contained within the channel. One very elaborate structurethat does contain stationary and mobile use is found in U.S. Pat. No.3,576,233 given to Thatcher in April 27, 1971. A scaffold structure isattached to a side of a vehicle with legs sitting upon the ground forstability. This is a usable invention, although not practical for theconstruction industry.

[0012] All the above related factors raise labor and construction costs,lack time efficiency, nor have the working persons best benefits inmind. A better improved equipment support leg is needed to meet the everchanging demands of construction.

SUMMARY

[0013] This present invention accordingly provides an equipment supportleg which presents a retractable castor to be raised or lowered formovability through operating a handle-bearing; a heavy duty swivel footfor static applications; and a leveler also fit with a handle-bearingfor ease of manipulation, all designed into one durable unit.

[0014] Several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

[0015] (a) to provide a reliable support leg for use with scaffoldingframes, carts, staging and the like, which entails stationary and mobilefeatures;

[0016] (b) to provide a support leg with a foot substantially largerthan a standard foot which will enable greater spread of load and has atleast twice the bearing capacity of the customary foot.

[0017] (c) to provide a large foot capable of swiveling to measure up tothe variety of demands happened upon in the diversity of work sites;

[0018] (d) to provide a modified castor resulting in a castor affordinggreater swiveling capabilities than standard castors, incorporated intothe same device as the foot, yielding full mobility of the structure itis joined to;

[0019] (e) to provide an improved wheel which can be interchanged foranticipated weight load, variety of job site, and preferred wheelmaterials, while it is still attached to the structure it is supporting;

[0020] (f) to provide a wheel which retracts off the grounds, out ofharms way, when a fixed, stable position is desired;

[0021] (g) to eliminate the need of hand brake mechanisms upon thecastor that may not engage properly or be operated incorrectly;

[0022] (h) to provide an unique adjusting leveler handle that is easierto maneuver than customary handles being used with which to level thesupported scaffold frame;

[0023] (i) to provide a unique support leg that meets all usual standarduses in the construction field all in one device, with safety prevalentin mind;

[0024] (j) to reduce the cost of labor and increase time efficiency bydismissing the need for dismantling a scaffold in order to move thesystem to another location and rebuild it; rather, this leg allows astationary foot to convert a scaffold into a rolling unit, then convertsagain into a fixed position, thus saving much time and effort.

[0025] Further objects and advantages can be construed and discernedthrough observation of drawings and specifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] For a most comprehensive understanding of the equipment supportleg, reference should be made to the following figures, accompanyingdrawings, and the supporting detailed description.

[0027]FIG. 1A and 1B show a front and side view of the equipment supportleg in a stationary stance;

[0028]FIG. 2 displays a side view of the support leg in a mobileposition;

[0029]FIG. 3A to 3C show front, side, and top views respectively of thefoot of the leg;

[0030]FIG. 4 is a top view of the support leg plate;

[0031]FIG. 5 gives a top view of the bearing 48;

[0032]FIG. 6 shows a top view of the castor plate;

[0033]FIG. 7 is a top view of bearing 34;

[0034]FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of the handle bearing;

[0035]FIG. 9 is a side view of the castor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there is shown the illustrativeembodiment of this invention. While FIG. 1B shows a right side view ofthe leg in a fixed, stable position, FIG. 2 displays a left side view ofthe same leg in position for mobile use.

[0037] This leg device includes a large base plate, or swivel foot 10,that can be made of steel or aluminum, or cast, to be suitable for aparticular use. Swivel foot 10 can be made larger or smaller dependingupon expected job loads, preferred rolling devices and industry usedfor.

[0038] Shown in FIG. 3A, the front view of swivel foot 10 is composedwith a set of triangular flanges 112, 114, 116, and 118. These fourtriangular flanges 112, 114, 116, and 118 are vertical, fastened toswivel foot 10 in symmetrical fashion with a beaded weld 120, 122, 124,126, 128, 130, 132, and 134, for the entire length of each flange. FIG.3B shows a side view of triangle flanges 112, 114, 116, and 118. A footbolt aperture 86 is shown to accommodate a bolt 12, a bolt 14, a nut 16,and a nut 18, to be used for fastening a left support leg 23 and a rightsupport leg 25 to swivel foot 10. This can also be seen in the frontview of FIG. 1A. FIG. 3B also details the front and back edges of swivelfoot 10. Edges are machine bent or rolled, to turn slightly upward at anangle or sloping to keep swivel foot 10 from catching on debris, workmaterials, etc., and thereby wedging in and becoming caught.

[0039]FIG. 3C entails a rectangular notch 98 within the center frontportion of swivel foot 10, to allow a castor wheel 22 to pass throughswivel foot 10 and so contact ground or flooring.

[0040] As seen in FIG. 1, left support leg 23 and right support leg 25has a cross brace 20 that goes in between left support leg 23 and rightsupport leg 25. Cross brace 20 is connected with a left beaded weld 136and a right beaded weld 138 to act as the brace to keep the legs 23 and25 from spreading apart. Cross brace 20 also acts as a locking mechanismfor castor wheel 22 in that cross brace 20 prevents castor wheel 22 fromswiveling and pivoting when retracted.

[0041]FIG. 1 illustrates a support leg plate 45 in position on top ofleft support leg 23 and right support leg 25, welded around all topedges of support legs 23 and 25 with a beaded weld 43. A top view ofsupport leg plate 45 is seen in FIG. 4.

[0042]FIG. 4 shows support leg plate 45 having a bolt aperture set 100,102, 104, and 106, and a shaft hole 108 to accommodate a threaded shaft58. Shaft hole 108 is bore out to allow threaded shaft 58 to passthrough and connect to a coupler, threaded pipe 42, seen in FIG. 1B, bysimply screwing them together.

[0043] Shown in FIG. 5, a bearing 48 which has a set of bolt apertures70, 72, 74, and 76, is then bolted to support leg plate 45 with a boltset 40, 46, 96, and 110, and a nut set 38, 44, 94, and 111. Bolt 110 andnut 111 are apparent in FIG. 2. A retractable castor handle 56 is weldedto bearing 48 with a beaded weld 54 giving the effect of ahandle-bearing.

[0044] Shaft 58 threads into threaded pipe 42 after it passes thrubearing 48 by way of shaft hole 108 and support leg plate 45. Threadedpipe 42 is welded to a bearing 34 with a beaded weld 35 as seen in FIG.1A, 1B, and 2.

[0045] The top view of bearing 34 is shown in FIG. 7. Bearing 34 sittingon its plate which comes manufactured together, has a set of boltapertures 78, 80, 82, and 84. A castor plate 32 shown in FIG. 6 also hasa set of bolt apertures 140, 142, 144 and 146. Castor plate 32 isattached to bearing 34 with a set of bolts 31, 36, 92 and 148, and a setof nuts 150, 33, 30 and 90.

[0046] A castor fork 28 is welded to castor plate 32 with a castor forkweld 152, as shown in FIG. 9. This castor fork 28 contains a differentangle than normal standard use castors. A standard castor will not workproperly in this support leg. Castor fork 28 is cut and customized toobtain approximately a 38° castor angle in relation to the castor plate32, which will allow castor 22 to move up and down without hitting crossbrace 20. This 38° castor angle shown in FIG. 9, seems to help overcomea problem inherent to swivel castors. A castor carrying a load will tendto align itself in the direction it is presently moving, so that whenquickly turning in another direction, the castor resists the directionalchange. A 38° castor angle has resulted in eliminating much of thisresistance problem. This modification allows castor 22 to be even morefreely mobile, when positioned down as shown in FIG. 2. Castor wheel 22is fastened on castor fork 28 with an axle bolt 26 and an axle nut 24.

[0047] A leveling scaffold handle 60 is attached to a bearing 68 with abeaded weld 62. This also results in a bearinged-handle which has easeof movement. Threaded shaft 58 will go through Kingpinless bearing,which is manufactured as bored, down through leveling scaffold handle60, downward thru retractable handle 56, bearing 48, support plate 45and continues on to threaded pipe 52, which screw into each other.

[0048]FIG. 8 is given to show how shaft 58 passes through handle 56, andbearing 48. Bearing 48 may be Kingpinless which already has a hole, orcan be bored out either individually, or by manufacturer.

[0049] In order to yield optimum performance of this support leg unit,operation should be done in the following manner:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0050] This support leg is designed for use with a structure such as ascaffolding system which has a tubular frame, hole, or sleeve that willallow threaded shaft 58 to be inserted. A set of support legs will beneeded to accommodate each corner or area of the structure beingsupported. As shaft 58 is inserted into the frame, the frame will cometo rest upon bearing 68, not upon the handle, as is generally done inthe field. In this model, the bearing's plate has been cut and rounded.Bearing 68 is to be welded or forged into the leveling scaffold handle60, creating a bearinged-handle. This sort of handle is much easier tomanipulate than the basic standard handle that scaffolders usually use.The handle 60 can level a scaffold frame leg by rotating the handleclockwise or counter-clockwise around shaft 58. Counter-clockwiserotations will result in the raising of the handle up the shaft, andtherefore also raising the scaffold that is resting upon the bearing 68.By rotating the same handle clockwise, it spins down the threaded shaft,also lowering the structure. Each leg frame of scaffolding must beraised or lowered and checked for levelness through the entire platformand to secure the work area.

[0051] Another handle is utilized in this leg device. This will operatecastor 22. The retractable handle 56 is to be welded or forged intobearing 48 as one unit, much like the leveling handle and bearing 68.Retractable handle 56 sits atop of bearing 48 which is bolted by itsplate to support leg plate 45. As the handle is spun clockwise, thethreaded shaft 58 is taken up, thereby raising the castor to which it isultimately connected to.

[0052] Castor 22 has modified forks 28, which in turn are welded tocastor plate 32. The plate 32 is bolted together with bearing 34. Thebearing is welded to threaded pipe 42 which has the threaded shaft 58screwed into it. The castor handle will raise up or lower down thecastor by way of the threaded shaft raising and lowering.

[0053] Conversion from a stationary unit to a rolling apparatus beginsas the castor comes in contact with the ground. As the retractablehandle is turned counter-clockwise, the castor is lowered to the floor,creating now a rolling support leg. The lowering of the castor alsocauses the swivel foot to ascend off the floor, clearing the path formovability. Clockwise rotations of the castor handle castor handle causethe castor to retract safely to its original position, after the rollingcapabilities have been used. A scaffold system needs mobility onlytemporarily; rather, the workman prefers to undertake his/her labors ona firm, secure, stabilized platform.

[0054] As the wheel is raised high enough, castor fork 28 is engaged bycross brace 20. This locks the castor to prevent its swiveling andshaking while retracted.

[0055] Foot 10 gains swiveling action from the bolts which attach theflanges to the support legs. Swiveling is appreciated in uneven grounds.Operation of this device should always be in accordance with standardsafety practices, and OSHA regulations.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0056] Therefore, one can see that the equipment support leg withleveler and retractable castor is a definitive fulfillment of needsparticularly desired by the scaffolding industry. Furnishing a supportleg which produces a new result in that an improved stationary leg canconvert into a mobile capacity as needed, then return to a firm,steadfast placement answers a cry long voiced by construction workmenand the industry's executives as well. The addition of am improvedleveling jack handle is indisputably an advantageous factor.

[0057] While this present invention described above and shown throughoutthe drawings has been individually pieced together, a manufacturer orother producer of this product, whether in total or with specificelements, could readily determine elements to be forged, made integralor use other processes with which to make the leg quicker, more easilyand more economically.

[0058] Manufacturers would be able to distinguish the best materialssuited for consumers particular needs since a variety of industries canbenefit from the use of this support leg. To satisfy customer's needs,this leg could be produced for light, medium, heavy duty or furtheredinto a gigantic industrial leg support system, with materials selectedaccordingly. Methods for modular or integrally made elements, theirconnections, sizes, and shapes of elements can be changed to conform toneeds and desires of consumers without changing the true spirit andscope of this invention.

[0059] If so desired, the foot may be made without swiveling action.Likewise, the leveling jack handle can be made without benefit of thebearing, in any type of configuration for rotation or use as a platformto bear weight.

[0060] Finishings can be applied for effective durability and protectivequalities as so desired by specific industries.

[0061] The bearing for castoring has been placed atop the castor platefor ease in changing castor wheel. However, this can be alternatelyplaced under the castor plate, with modified forks attached to thebearing.

[0062] This does necessitate a complete castor unit change whenpreferred, rather than simply removing the wheel and inserting the newone.

[0063] In accordance to patent statutes, further construing andformulations could be made of this support leg and yet not depart fromthe true spirit and scope of this invention.

REFERENCE NUMBERS LIST

[0064]10 swivel

[0065]12 bolt

[0066]14 bolt

[0067]16 nut

[0068]18 nut

[0069]20 cross brace

[0070]22 castor wheel

[0071]23 support leg left

[0072]24 axle nut

[0073]25 support leg right

[0074]26 axle bolt

[0075]28 castor fork

[0076]30 castor plate nut

[0077]31 castor plate bolt

[0078]32 castor plate

[0079]33 castor plate nut

[0080]34 bearing

[0081]35 beaded weld

[0082]36 castor plate bolt

[0083]38 nut

[0084]40 bolt

[0085]42 threaded pipe

[0086]43 beaded weld

[0087]44 nut

[0088]45 support leg plate

[0089]46 bolt

[0090]48 bearing

[0091]54 beaded weld

[0092]56 retractable castor handle

[0093]58 threaded shaft

[0094]60 leveling scaffold handle

[0095]62 beaded weld

[0096]68 bearing

[0097]70 bolt aperture

[0098]72 bolt aperture

[0099]74 bolt aperture

[0100]76 bolt aperture

[0101]78 bolt aperture

[0102]80 bolt aperture

[0103]82 bolt aperture

[0104]84 bolt aperture

[0105]86 foot bolt aperture

[0106]88 castor hole

[0107]90 castor plate nut

[0108]92 castor plate bolt

[0109]94 nut

[0110]96 bolt

[0111]98 rectangular notch

[0112]100 bolt aperture

[0113]102 bolt aperture

[0114]104 bolt aperture

[0115]106 bolt aperture

[0116]108 shaft hole

[0117]110 bolt

[0118]111 nut

[0119]112 triangle flange

[0120]114 triangle flange

[0121]116 triangle flange

[0122]118 triangle flange

[0123]120 beaded weld

[0124]122 beaded weld

[0125]124 beaded weld

[0126]126 beaded weld

[0127]128 beaded weld

[0128]130 beaded weld

[0129]132 beaded weld

[0130]134 beaded weld

[0131]136 beaded weld left

[0132]138 beaded weld right

[0133]140 bolt aperture

[0134]142 bolt aperture

[0135]144 bolt aperture

[0136]146 bolt aperture

[0137]148 castor plate bolt

[0138]150 castor plate nut

[0139]152 castor fork weld

We claim
 1. A combination objection support leg and jacking device witha retractable rolling castor comprising: a. a jack element whichsupports an object or portion of an object and of which a portion isthreaded b. an elongated threaded shaft on which the threads of thethreaded portion of said jack element are meshed and supported, causingsaid jack element and the object of portion of object it supports to bemoved along the length of said elongated threaded shaft when thethreaded portion of said jack element is rotated around said elongatedthreaded shaft c. a second jack element comprised of a threaded portionand a non-threaded portion, which are fixed together as a single unit,while being able to rotate independently with respect to one anotheraround a common axis, the threads of the threaded portion of said secondjack element are meshed with and supported by the threads of saidthreaded elongated shaft, causing the second jack element to move alongthe length of said threaded elongated shaft when the threaded portion ofthe second jack element is rotated around said threaded elongated shaftd. a support frame which is attached to the non-threaded portion of saidsecond jack element, both being free to rotate together with respect tosaid elongated threaded shaft without causing said second jack elementto move along the shaft, with the result of the non-threaded portion ofsaid second jack element being able to rotate independently with respectto the threaded portion of said second jack element; conversely thecombined said support frame and said second jacking element can also bemade to move together along said threaded elongated shaft without thestep support from being rotated with respect to said elongated threadedshaft, this being accomplished by rotating the threaded portion of saidsecond jacking element only. e. a castor element attached to one end ofsaid elongated threaded shaft, which support the shaft and which byenabling a rolling movement along a supporting surface allows theelongated shaft and all said elements it supports, including the objector the portion of object supported by said jacking element, to be movedalong the support surface, whereby said castor can rotate freely aroundthe elongated threaded shaft, the shaft and all said elements and theobject or portion of object it supports can be rolled by the castor inany direction along a supporting surface without the scaffolded objector supported portion of object being rotated with respect to the shaft,whereby said support frame can be moved along the length of theelongated threaded shaft without rotating said elongated threaded shaftthe support frame can be moved to a position where it is in contact withthe supporting surface, thereby supporting the shaft and all saidelements it supports, whereby said castor can be moved off and away fromthe supporting surface, while the support frame remains in contact withthe supporting surface, by counter rotating said jack element and saidsecond element, the support frame is made to support said elongatedthreaded shaft and all said elements said threaded shaft supportsincluding the supported object, thus converting all the combined saidelements into a fixed non-rolling support structure.